[RedballUK]

Before I begin, I'm new to CRPG and web forums so please be patient.

Ok, I've had a read of several threads re party structure and realised that I'm back where I started - confused. Having just bought the game, I've spent what must be approaching 3 days (elapse time) trying to create MY perfect party. I'm fairly new to CRPG (completed about 3/4 of Baldur's Gate before wishing I had started with Fighter/Thief instead of Paladin and getting sidetracked). I have done some roleplaying in the distant past (e.g. DnD 1st and 2nd Ed, Warhammer, rolemaster). I knew where I was with stats, to hit roles, etc in 2nd Ed but a bit lost with 3rd Ed. I'm sure I'll get it, but not confident with how character stats wil turn out.

Now I know that everyone has there own preferences, but I'm curious as to how my idea goes down in general. I guess I'm an advocate of roleplaying vs power gaming but open to some tactical approaches (e.g. getting a few levels of fighter for weapon specialisation etc..). I dont really like the idea of min-maxing. Just doesnt sit right. I guess the perfect character is one that is developed to use their natural strengths without being unrealistic.

Anyway here is my current attempt:

Definates:

1. Halforc Barbarian(X)/Fighter(4) [20,16,16,4,10,8]
2. Human Wizard [8,18,12,18,12,8]]
3. Tiefling Rogue (Maybe fighter levels skills up) [12,20,10,18,10,8]

Not so sure:

4. Either ...
Aasimar Paladin(X)/Fighter(4) [16,10,12,8,14,20]
or
Human Paladin(X)/Fighter(4) [16,10,12,8,14,16]

5. Either ...
Aasimar Druid [10,14,14,10,20,12]
or
Wild Elf Druid [10,12,14,10,18,12]

6. Either ...
Drow Bard [10,18,10,14,8,20]
or
Human Bard [10,14,10,14,10,18]

Number 1 I'm totally happy with. 2 and 3 relatively so. Thought of Human Rogue and Tiefling Wizard which may be better as I might multi class the rogue and have no intention of doing that with the Wizard.

Number 5 is a toss up between pure roleplaying (ie the Wild Elf) or a power Druid. I chose Druid over Cleric out of curiosity and variation. Also depends on what I chose for number 4. Which also depends on what I chose for number 6.

I'm very curious to play a Drow and think they'd make a good Bard. There seems to be mixed opinions on Bards in general. Could have taken a Sorceror I suppose, but again curiosity won through. I think the Bard can help other specialist characters across the board (Missile, spells, thief skills, healing, ect..). This is my likely choice for the leader.

If however, I decide that the 2 experience level penalty is too much, then I could take the Aasimar Paladin for a leader (Does this make a Bard redundant? Go for Sorceror instead?).

I guess, I'm leaning toward the Aasimar Druid/Human Paladin/Drow Bard combo.

How would the party fare?
Am I going to miss out on some key items/skills/plots/etc...
Can you see any passengers in the group?
Is a Drow going to cause problems as a leader?
What about the racial experience level penalties? With 2 characters with 1lvl penalties and a 3rd with a 2 lvl penalty, is that going to hinder my progress?

Any other (relevant) thoughts welcome.

Redball